IAG Programme Manager

Black Thrive Global are seeking a proactive and strategic Independent Advisory Group Programme Manager with a passion for equity in mental health services and capable of driving meaningful change through collaboration with diverse community members and partners.

To apply you will need to submit a CV of no more than 3 pages and attach a Cover letter outlining how your experiences matches the job requirements.

About Black Thrive

Black Thrive Global (BTG) evolved from the work of the Black Thrive Lambeth Partnership, established in 2016. We exist to address the inequalities that negatively impact the mental health and well-being of Black people so that the thriving of Black communities is the norm.

Our guiding principle is that Black communities should be at the forefront of reimagining, redefining, and co-creating a society where systemic racism and other oppressive systems have been dismantled so that they have fulfilling lives. We have two priorities – building a Black Thrive Research Institute and embedding race equity in systems change.

Purpose and Overview

The PCREF Programme aims to reduce and ultimately eliminate racial disparities in the services provided by the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust. The programme's success will be monitored through the Trust’s Performance & Quality system, emphasising collaboration between the Trust's staff, Black service users, their carers, and Black communities. The goal is to ensure equitable access, experiences, and outcomes for Black citizens utilising the Trust's services.

The Programme Manager for the Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) in Lambeth and Southwark is crucial in advancing the objectives of the PCREF. This role focuses on fostering active community participation, building capacity, and ensuring that Black communities are equal partners in the transformational change programme. The Programme Manager will lead the development and support of local IAGs, ensuring robust governance, structure, and capacity building to improve mental health services.

Supporting the IAGs and the IAG chairs is fundamental to this role. It serves to enhance the capacity of the IAGs and chairs. Whilst the job description provides a succinct outline of responsibilities, ultimately the needs of the IAGs will be paramount, with direct leadership from the Director at Black Thrive. This role is in collaboration with various stakeholders, with a clearer focus on project mismanagement and varied learning styles. Leadership must be aligned with the IAGs, ensuring diverse and inclusive practices.

Supporting policy development is crucial, and there should be an agreement on oversight, with all parties having joint oversight and review responsibilities. Reporting back to the IAGs will be a key component.

The Programme Manager is expected to be a proactive and strategic leader, passionate about equity in mental health services and capable of driving meaningful change through collaboration with diverse community members and partners. This role demands a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where Black communities can actively participate in shaping mental health services.

Duties and Responsibilities

DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

· Establish and Develop IAGs: Lead on supporting the creation and ongoing development of local IAGs in Lambeth and Southwark, ensuring robust governance structures and effective capacity building.

· Resource Management: support in Identifying and secure necessary resources, including financial, human, and material, to support IAG activities in both boroughs.

· Recruitment and Role Assignment: support in the recruit of diverse community members from Lambeth and Southwark to join IAGs, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and assigned.

· General Management Duties: Temporarily oversee and manage day-to-day operations, supporting community service development initiatives and ensuring smooth running of IAG activities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT AND COLLABORATION

· Facilitate Community Engagement: Support both IAG chairs in enhancing community engagement through active participation in IAGs, collaborating with SLaM and various voluntary/community organisations.

· Encourage Broader Participation: Foster participation from various community, statutory, and non-statutory organisations in IAG and PCREF activities.

· Build Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with local organisations, facilitating networking opportunities, and representing IAGs at PCREF events both online and in-person.

· Support IAGs: Provide continuous support and enhance the operational capacity of IAGs through regular check-ins, resource allocation, and problem-solving assistance.

COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION

· Event Coordination: Plan, host, and deliver events, conferences, training sessions, and workshops to promote local services in both boroughs.

· Develop Communication Tools: Produce and disseminate communication materials in collaboration with the IAGS such as newsletters, toolkits, booklets, and feedback forms to support IAG activities and community engagement.

MEETINGS AND REPORTING

· Organise Meetings: Schedule and attend IAG and PCREF community meetings across Lambeth, Southwark, and other involved boroughs.

· Collaboration with Programme Managers: Work closely with the Croydon BME IAG Programme Manager and other stakeholders, attending regular update and planning meetings.

· Impact Measurement: Collaborate with the Maudsley Charity and Black Thrive to discuss and measure the impact of initiatives, generating detailed reports for stakeholders including for both IAGS.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

· Stay Informed: Keep abreast of PCREF change ideas and opportunities for IAG member contributions.

· Task Coordination: Oversee and coordinate additional tasks to ensure project success, managing administrative duties efficiently in line with IAG requirements.

· Policy Adherence: Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures, including General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

· Budget Management: Manage and provide oversight of the project budget, supporting the development and delivery of the PCREF IAG Leadership Academy.

· Documentation Management: Maintain key documents and trackers from ideation to delivery, ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting.

DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY

· Assist in the creation and execution of the IAG Leadership Academy. Ensure the effective implementation of change ideas in both Lambeth and Southwark.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

IAG Programme Manager, Black Thrive - Lambeth

Experience and Ability

E = Essential, D = Desirable

1. Proven experience in community engagement and capacity building (E)

2. Experience working with diverse community groups and stakeholders

3. Experience in planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects (E)

4. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously (E)

5. Experience leading community engagement initiatives and supporting third-sector organisations (E)

6. Proven ability to ensure the inclusion of diverse community voices in organisational and systemic frameworks, particularly in mental health contexts (E)

7. Prior experience working within the Lambeth or Southwark localities or similar localities (D)

8. Experience in systems change initiatives and in providing support and leadership for teams operating within such frameworks (D)

9. Previous experience in project management, preferably within mental health and/or health and social care environment (E)

Skills and Knowledge

10. Ability to produce and disseminate communication materials such as newsletters, toolkits, and feedback forms. (E)

11. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders, partners, and team members (E)

12. Robust knowledge of health and social care structures and systems, with a focus on mental health (E)

13. Experience of working with service-users within a mental health or social care setting.

14. Experience of working (or living) within a diverse community, with a strong understanding of the cultural contexts related to mental health and wellbeing.

15. Knowledge of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) and its application within the NHS (D)

16. Commitment to the values and mission of Black Thrive and an understanding of the strategic objectives of the organisation (E)

17. Flexibility to work outside of standard office hours, including weekends and evenings, as required (E)

18. Additional qualifications or training in leadership, project management, or a related field (D)

19. Competency in additional languages spoken within the local community may be beneficial (D)

20. Flexibility to respond to the needs of the project (E)

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Still, we will treat applicants with a criminal record relatively well and not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed